Elizabeth Stuart Design » Design Tips

Design Tip: Furniture Rehab

ESD — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:56:51 +0000

Q: How do I update my grandmother’s heirlooms that were passed down to me?

A: Keeping heirlooms in the family is always important, but a simple update will help it fit within your current look. A good shape never goes out of style. A fresh coat of paint, reupholstering or even a slipcover will do the trick!

Design Tip: Shower the People

ESD — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:06:14 +0000

Everyone loves an outdoor shower. ELLE DECOR’s go above and beyond. Let them inspire you and your outdoor retreat.

Design Tip-Staying Cool

ESD — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:29:06 +0000

We always want the cool breeze of a ceiling fan but we don’t necesarilly want the look of one. House Beautiful has come to our rescue with a wide selection of fans; from updated traditional to the super modern. Our favorite is the lucite and metal one.

Design Tip-Magnetic Wallpaper

ESD — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:42:47 +0000

Why didn’t we think of this??? Lori Weitzner’s Magnetism has a linen surface and a backing that attracts magnets. What a wonderful upgrade of the standard cork board!

Design Tip-Transitioning from Summer to Fall

ESD — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:56:42 +0000

What is a good fabric to use that will transition from Summer to Fall?

Villa Romo has some great new fabrics out right now. I really like the Moso collection. Their fabrics are modern cut-velvets with a luxuriously dense pile and beautiful sheen.

Design Tip-Stylish Valances

Muffie — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:10:47 +0000

The June issue of House Beautiful features the interior design magic of Jim Howard. The article describes his style as “that barefoot-in-cashmere feeling, all year round.” Jim also includes some great examples of stylish valances.

Sweet Baby James

Muffie — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:02:25 +0000

James Taylor’s voice is a summer evening with the stars bright and just a little humidity so the tones hang in the air. Here I am sitting in great seats looking down at James and Carole King. I am in Charlotte with my sisters and one of my best friends by my side. Life is so good.

The stage is slowly moving in a circle and I can’t help but think how my life is moving too. The opening song? “Blossom there is a song inside me..take these chains away” – James Taylor

Carol King wrote many of his songs and how could he not want to sing, “From a garden of wisdom, from a long ago dream” -Carole King

Music has always been a huge part of my life. A life without music for me would be a dull place. It helps me think…always has. This year, upon advice from a good friend, I turned my formal library that I never went in (but it looked good) into a music room. Less like a “music room” with instruments but more like the old 80’s poster of the guy sitting in a chair in front of a speaker with his hair blowing backward.

I recovered my grandmother’s comfortable barrel chairs in a rich deep purple velvet and I love that room now. A place to contemplate and to hear words of an old song that I have been listening to for years and years but only now do I understand.

“In between what might have been and what has come to past are just bits of broken glass” – James Taylor

Get James Taylor and Carole Kings new CD The Troubadour. It is good. Life is good. Happy summer.

Design Tip-Coming Together

ESD — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:45:09 +0000

So, we’ve all seen the “industrial revolution” in interior design over the past few years. Lots of metal – rusty or shiny, cold or warm. Now, with the green movement taking over every facet of life from light bulbs to trash bags, we’re seeing natural materials mixing with the industrial metals to create a truly modern look. Old is new. New is old. Old oak sits atop an iron base. Metal is stretched over a traditional wood tables. We love all of it. Below are some of our favorites.

Design Tip-Bookshelf Clutter

ESD — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:19:39 +0000

Q: Help! My bookshelves are out of control! How can I keep them full without being cluttered?

A: Bookshelves aren’t just for books. Start with your largest pieces (paintings, sculptures, pottery, etc.) and stagger sizes to keep the eye moving. Avoid putting items of similar size and shape together - You want to create a collection not a “set”. Then add books, family photos and travel souvenirs to complete. Don’t be scared to change it when the mood hits or you find just the right thing. Below are some examples of fabulous bookshelves that are anything but boring. They appear full, but with focus.

Photos courtesy of Girl meets Glamour, Domino, Mary McGee and Elle Decor.

Design Tip-Adding Pops of Color

Muffie — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:09:37 +0000

Q: Do you have any suggestions for adding color to a neutral palette?

A: We love using colorful fabric on pillows, window treatments or accent chairs. Madeline Weinrib’s fabrics are so gorgeous and the perfect splash of color. Some of our favorites are below.